Abstract: In this paper, we reported the physicochemical characteristics and thermal oxidative stability of Camellia serniserrata Chi. seed oil. The oil content in Camellia serniserrata Chi. seed was 34.8% (wet weight). The extracted oil exhibited iodine value of 82.1 g I2/100 g, saponification value of 215.3 mg KOH/100 g, acidity value of 1.51 g FFA/100 g, peroxide value of 2.98, and p-anisidine value of 0.96 g－1. The K232nm and K270nm were 2.14 and 0.12, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that two characteristic peaks were detected in both crystallization and melting curves. Potassium, aluminium, potassium, magnesium and calcium were found at higher levels in the oil, which ranged from 9.7 to 26 mg/kg. The contents of other minerals were below 4.3 mg/kg. α-Tocopherol content in the oil was 5.6 mg/100 g, and the total content of β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were 0.79 mg/100 g. Oleic acid (74.74%) was the most predominant fatty acid followed by palmitic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid and a small amount of other fatty acids. The scavenging activity toward DPPH radicals was also measured. The oil showed good thermal oxidative stability as evaluated based on K232nm, K270nm, POV and p-PAV values (microwave heating and 130 ℃ oven heating). These results suggest that Camellia serniserrata Chi. is a valuable special oilseed crop, providing highly nutritional oil.

Key words: physico-chemical properties, seed oil, Camellia serniserrata Chi., oxidative stability